ACT 206, HB1902 HD2 SD1 CD1, 7/5/2016

Replaces the offense of Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree with Sex Trafficking to be classified as a violent crime and a class A felony. Requires proof of negligence as to the age of the victim when a person commits the offense of sex trafficking and the victim is a minor. Provides that the offense of prostitution by a person younger than eighteen years of age is a violation and subject to the jurisdiction of the family court. Establishes a class C felony for the act of paying for sex in reckless disregard of the fact that the other person is a victim of sex trafficking. Expands the Department of the Attorney General’s Statewide Witness Program to include sex trafficking; provides victims with access to criminal injury compensation; and amends laws relating to civil liability for cases of coercion into prostitution. Makes amendments to strengthen enforcement of laws and increase penalties against the sex trafficker. (HB1902 CD1)